Downtown Bellingham’s rocket is back after being ‘on the moon’
The iconic rocket art sculpture is back in downtown Bellingham after almost a year of maintenance “on the moon.”
OK, it wasn’t actually on the moon. But that’s where Mike Hammes, the owner of the property where the rocket is displayed, jokes that it’s been.
The rocket stood in its downtown corner location at 306 W. Holly St. for about 20 years before being removed for maintenance almost a year ago, Hammes said in a telephone interview with The Bellingham Herald.
“It’s art in its truest form,” Hammes said.
The rocket needed some upgrades and maintenance to improve its circuits, sequencers and neon lights, some of which had burned out. The outside of the rocket was also polished, Hammes told The Herald.
Crews returned the rocket to its previous location Thursday, Oct. 27, where it will remain indefinitely.
History of the rocket
The rocket was built by local artist and designer Alexei Ford. It served primarily as an icon and locator for Rocket Donuts, an eatery in Bellingham that closed in 2019 after 15 years in business.
“It really has become an interesting icon in the community. It’s very fun,” Ford said in a telephone interview with The Herald.
Ford wanted the rocket to be an exciting and playful experience for local children.
“I wanted to take kids’ imaginations to the moon,” Ford said.
The inner workings
The rocket stands about 32 feet tall, matching the height of the building next to it.
It is made up of metal pieces and old signage including railroad signs, light fixtures, oxygen cylinders, tent poles and baseball bats.
“Not a stick of new aluminum was used in its construction. It was all just reclaimed stuff,” Ford said.
“It has gizmos and gadgets from all over,” Hammes said.
This story was originally published November 2, 2022 at 10:59 AM.
